Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate For Passage Of Historic Farm Bill

For Release June 22,
2012

Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate

For Passage Of Historic Farm Bill

CHICAGO
– The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics praised the work of the United States
Senate, in particular the Agriculture Committee, for passing the Agriculture
Reform, Food and Jobs Act (S. 3240), also known as the 2012 Farm Bill, which
will fund key nutrition programs that empower Americans to make healthy food
choices.

“The
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded
Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded in the Farm Bill have been
shown to improve healthy eating behaviors to help reduce chronic disease, which
results in fewer health-care dollars being spent. This historic piece of
legislation emphasizes the important connection between food and health,” said
registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan Bergman.

“Our
members will continue to advocate for SNAP and other initiatives like the Fresh
Fruit and Vegetable Program that help develop lifelong healthful eating habits,
as well as to conduct the imperative food and nutrition research that provides
the evidence needed to make sound policy decisions,” Bergman said.

The
Academy recognized the efforts of Senators Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) and Pat
Roberts (Kan.) for their bipartisan leadership in passing the bill 64-35.

The bill contains a $4.5 billion cut to
SNAP that the Academy believes will negatively affect large numbers of
struggling families. According to the Congressional Budget Office, an estimated
500,000 households a year will lose $90 per month in SNAP benefits, if the
budget cut is made. USDAreports the average family covered under SNAP
received $284 per month in 2011.

“We
are disappointed to see the reduction in SNAP benefits to families who need it
most,” Bergman said. “Having access to healthy affordable food is necessary for
all Americans. Not only does SNAP help improve health, it improves local
economies at a time when it is most needed. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits,
$9.20 is generated in total economic activity, resulting in jobs for the
communities.”

The
Academy will continue working with leaders of the House of Representatives and
other key partners in the public health, anti-hunger and agriculture
communities to help ensure ultimate passage of an effective and fair Farm Bill.

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The
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association)
is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The
Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the
profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.